-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Petra Kvitova stunned Maria Sharapova in straight sets 6-3 6-4 to claim the Wimbledon women 's singles title Saturday .

The 21-year-old had gone into the final as the underdog against three-time grand slam champion Sharapova , but belied that status with a high-class display on Centre Court .

She is the third Czech woman , after Martina Navratilova and Jana Novotna , to claim the Wimbledon singles crown .

Both were in the Royal Box to witness her triumph and Kvitova paid them both a compliment as she savored her victory .

`` It 's hard to find some words , to see the great players in the Royal Box , '' said Kvitova , the first left-hander since Navratilova in 1990 to win the title .

`` It 's very nice when they 're watching me all the time and supporting me , it 's great . ''

Russia 's Sharapova was bidding to repeat her success as 17-year-old in 2004 , but despite breaking Kvitova in her very first service game was largely second-best against an opponent hitting with pace and accuracy .

Eighth seed Kvitova , beaten in the semifinals by eventual winner Serena Williams last year , responded with two breaks of Sharapova 's service to take the first set in 40 minutes .

She immediately broke Sharapova at the start of the second set and appeared to be in control , but the fifth seed retrieved it to level at two games all .

Sharapova looked to gain momentum but she surrendered her service again only to show great resilience to break back again .

But it was her last glimpse of glory as Kvitova broke again for 4-3 to close on her maiden grand slam title .

Serving for the championship at 5-4 , Kvitova carved out three match points and clinched it with an ace , sinking to the turf in triumph .

But in contrast , it was a bitter disappointment for Sharapova , who has battled back to the top of the game after serious shoulder surgery .

`` It 's great to be back at this stage and holding the runner-up plate -- but I wanted the big one today , '' said Sharapova .

`` But it 's something I want to be back for and holding again one day . ''

Defending champion Rafael Nadal and new world No. 1 Novak Djokovic contest the men 's singles final Sunday .

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Petra Kvitova beats Maria Sharapova 6-3 6-4 to win Wimbledon women 's singles title

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21-year-old Czech Kvitova was winning her maiden grand slam title

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First player from Czech Republic to win Wimbledon singles title since Jana Novotna in 1998